HOW TO DECLUTTER

1. START EARLY If you’re even considering shifting, now is the time to begin.

2. BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL CHUNKS Begin small with a utensil drawer or shelf. Doing 10 minutes a day will add up to big results.

3. DO THE EASY, LESS EMOTIONAL STUFF FIRST “Tackling the easier things

rst gives you the motivation to continue because you’ve made a good start,” says

Judy. “If you can see the bits that you’ve done, it helps clear your brain to keep going.”

4. ASK YOURSELF KEY QUESTIONS TO HELP DECLUTTER These include, “When was the last time I used this?” plus, “Do I love it?” and, “Does it add value to my life?”

5. KEEP THE STUFF THAT MAKES YOU REALLY

HAPPY It’s important to surround yourself with things that bring you great joy.

6. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT TO KEEP, RATHER THAN WHAT YOU WANT TO GET RID OF “It’s easier to make decisions by removing everything out of a cupboard or wardrobe, then putting back what’s to be kept rather than pulling out unwanted items,” says Judy.

7. TAKE PHOTOS OF THE TREASURED ITEMS YOU ARE PARTING WITH AND RECORD THEIR STORY. “Behind the stuff are lots of memories,” says Natalie. If you’re parting with a special possession, she recommends journaling its story and adding a photo to pass on to family.

8. ASK FOR HELP You’re likely to be dealing with a whole lifetime’s worth of accumulated household and personal items. If you don’t know where to start, approach family members, a friend or a professional organiser to help you.